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Matthew 12:12

Matthew 12:12 in Multiple Translations

How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.

Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! For this reason it is right to do good on the Sabbath day.

“Don't you think a human being is worth much more than a sheep? So yes, you are allowed to do good on the Sabbath.”

How much more then is a man better then a sheepe? therefore, it is lawfull to doe well on a Sabbath day.

How much better, therefore, is a man than a sheep? — so that it is lawful on the sabbaths to do good.'

Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.”

How much then is a man better than a sheep? wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

How much better is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do a good deed on the sabbath days.

Because sheep are valuable, their owners may work on our day of rest in order to rescue them. So, because people are more valuable than sheep, it is certainly right for us to do something good by healing another person any day, including our day of rest!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 12:12

BAB
Word Study

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Matthew 12:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ποσω ουν διαφερει ανθρωπος προβατου ωστε εξεστιν τοις σαββασιν καλως ποιειν
ποσω posos G4214 how much/many? Q-DSN
ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj
διαφερει diapherō G1308 to spread/surpass Verb-PAI-3S
ανθρωπος anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-NSM
προβατου probaton G4263 sheep Noun-GSN
ωστε hōste G5620 so Conj
εξεστιν exesti, exon G1832 be permitted Verb-PAI-3S
τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPN
σαββασιν sabbaton G4521 Sabbath Noun-DPN
καλως kalōs G2573 well Adv
ποιειν poieō G4160 to do/make: do Verb-PAN
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 12:12

ποσω posos G4214 "how much/many?" Q-DSN
This word asks about the amount or quantity of something, like in Matthew 6:23 and Mark 9:21. It seeks to know how much, how great, or how many of something exists.
Definition: πόσος, -η, -ον adj. of number, magnitude, degree, etc., how much, how great, how many: Mat.6:23, 2Co.7:11; of time, Mrk.9:21; neut., absol., Luk.16:5, 7; dative, πόσῳ, adverbially, how much, Mat.12:12; id. before μᾶλλον, Mat.7:11 10:25, Luk.11:13 12:24, 28, Rom.11:12, 24, Phm 16, Heb.9:14; π. χείρονος τιμωρίας, Heb.10:29; pl., Mat.15:34 16:9-10 27:13, Mrk.6:38 8:5, 19-20 15:4, Luk.15:17, Act.21:20.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: how great (long, many), what See also: 2 Corinthians 7:11; Mark 8:20; Hebrews 9:14.
ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj
This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.
Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.
διαφερει diapherō G1308 "to spread/surpass" Verb-PAI-3S
To spread or surpass, like news being spread abroad, as seen in Acts 13:49, or to differ and be more excellent, as mentioned in Romans 2:18 and Matthew 6:26.
Definition: δια-φέρω [in LXX for שְׁנָא (שְׁנָא (Dan.7:1-28 only); 1Ki.17:39, Est.3:13, al. ;] __1. trans., __(a) to carry through: before διά, Mrk.11:16; __(b) to carry about, spread abroad: pass., Act.13:49 27:27. __2. Intrans., __(a) to differ: τὰ διαφέροντα, Rom.2:18, Php.1:10 (R, mg., but see infr.); impers., διαφέρει, it makes a difference, it matters: Gal.2:6; __(b) to excel: with genitive Mat.6:26 10:31 12:12, Luk.12:7, 24, 1Co.15:41, Gal.4:1; τὰ διαφέροντα, Rom.2:18, Php.1:10 (R, txt.; for discussion and reff. see ICC on Ro, Phi, ll. with).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: be better, carry, differ from, drive up and down, be (more) excellent, make matter, publish, be of more value See also: 1 Corinthians 15:41; Luke 12:24; Romans 2:18.
ανθρωπος anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-NSM
This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.
Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.
προβατου probaton G4263 "sheep" Noun-GSN
In the Bible, a sheep refers to a literal animal or a person who follows a leader, as in Matthew 7:15 and Romans 8:36.
Definition: πρόβατον, -ου, τό (προβαίνω), [in LXX chiefly for צֹאן, also for שֶׂה, more rarely for כֶּבֶשׂ (כֶּשֶׂב), רָחֵל ;] __1. in Hom., Hdt., cattle, esp. of small cattle, sheep and goats. __2. In NT, as in Attic writers generally (cf. MM, xxi), a sheep: Mat.7:15, Mrk.6:34, al.; πρόβατα σφαγῆς, Rom.8:36 (LXX). Metaphorical (in cl. of timidity, stupidity or idleness), of the followers of a leader or master, esp. of those who are subject to the care of the Good Shepherd: Mat.10:6 15:24 26:31" (LXX) Mrk.14:27 (LXX), Jhn.10:7-8, 15-16 10:26-27 21:16-17 (WH txt., προβάτια), Heb.13:20; opposite to ἐρίφια, Mat.25:33. προβάτιον, -ου, τό, dimin. of πρόβατον (used as a term of endearment, see El., § 27, 4), a little sheep: Jhn.21:16-17 (πρόβατα, WH, mg.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: sheep(-fold) See also: 1 Peter 2:25; John 21:16; Hebrews 13:20.
ωστε hōste G5620 "so" Conj
This word means so or therefore, used to show a result or conclusion. It appears in Matthew 8:24 and Romans 7:6.
Definition: ὥσ-τε consecutive particle, __1. with infin., expressing result, so as to: Mat.8:24 12:22, Mrk.1:27, Luk.5:7, Act.1:19, Rom.7:6, 1Co.1:7, Heb.13:6, al.; of a designed result, Mat.10:1, Luk.4:29, al.; preceded by οὕτως, Act.14:1; by τοσοῦτος, Mat.15:33. __2. C. indic., __(a) so that: Gal.2:13, preceded by οὕτως, Jhn.3:16; __(b) so then, therefore: Mat.12:12, Mrk.2:28, Rom.7:4, 1Co.3:7, Gal.3:9, al. __3. so then, therefore: with subjc., 1Co.5:8; with imperat., 1Co.3:21 4:5, Php.2:12 1Th.4:18, 1Pe.4:19, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 83 NT verses. KJV: (insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Hebrews 13:6; 1 Peter 1:21.
εξεστιν exesti, exon G1832 "be permitted" Verb-PAI-3S
To be permitted or lawful, as in Mark 2:24 and Acts 8:37, where certain actions are allowed. It can also mean to be right or just, as in Matthew 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 10:23.
Definition: ἔξ-εστι (εἰμί), impers. verb., it is permitted, lawful: Mrk.2:24, Act.8:37 (R, mg.), 1Co.10:23; with inf., Mat.12:2, 10 12 14:4 15:26 19:3 22:17 27:6, Mrk.3:4 12:14, Luk.6:2, 9 14:3, Jhn.5:10; before accusative, Mrk.2:26, Luk.6:4 20:22; with dative of person(s) and inf., Mat.20:15, Mrk.6:18 10:2, Jhn.18:31, Act.16:21 21:37 22:25 (inf. understood), 1Co.6:12; ἐξόν (sc. ἐστί), Act.2:29, 2Co.12:4; ἐξὸν ἦν, Mat.12:4.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: be lawful, let, X may(-est) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:12; Mark 2:24; Matthew 27:6.
τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
σαββασιν sabbaton G4521 "Sabbath" Noun-DPN
The Sabbath refers to the seventh day of the week, a day of rest and worship. It is mentioned in Matthew 12:8 and Mark 2:27, highlighting its importance in Jewish tradition. The concept of Sabbath rest is still observed today.
Definition: σάββατον, -ου, τό (Aram. שַׁבָּתָא, transliterated σάββατα, and this being mistaken for a pl., the sing. σάββατον was formed from it), and σάββατα, -ων, τά [in LXX for שַׁבָּת, שַׁבָּתוֹן ;] __1. the seventh day of the week, the sabbath __(a) the sing. form -ον, τὸ σ.: Mat.12:8, Mrk.2:27, Luk.6:5, al.; ἡ ἡμέρα τοῦ σ. (in LXX, Exo.20:8, al., usually τῶν σ., see infr.), Luk.13:16 14:5; ὁδὸς σαββάτου, Act.1:12 (cf. Mat.24:29); dative, of time (τῷ) σ., Luk.6:9 14:1; ἐν (τῷ) σ., Mat.12:2, Luk.6:7, Jhn.5:16, al.; accusative, of duration, τὸ σ., Luk.23:56; κατὰ πᾶν σ., Act.13:27 15:21 18:4; pl., σ. τρία, Act.17:2 R, txt. (but see infr.); __(b) as most frequently in LXX (see Swete, Mk., 17; Thackeray, Gr., 35) the pl. form, τὰ σ. (see supr. on the Aram. form. There is also an analogy in the names of other festivals, τ. ἐγκαίνια, ἄζυμα, etc.): Mat.28:1, Col.2:16; ἡ ἡμέρα τῶν σ. (Exo.20:8, al.), Luk.4:16, Act.13:14 16:13; dative pl. (in LXX -τοις, but 1Ma.2:38 as in NT) by metaplasmus (El., § 9, 3), σάββασι, Mat.12:1, 5 12:10-12 Mrk.1:21 2:23 3:2, 4, Luk.4:31 6:2. __2. seven days, a week; __(a) the sing. form: πρώτη σαββάτσυ, Mrk.16:9; δὶς τοῦ σ. (Bl., § 35, 4; 36, 13), Luk.18:12; κατὰ μίαν σαββάτου, 1Co.16:2; pl., σ. τρία, Act.17:2 R, mg. (but see supr.); __(b) the pl. form: ἡ μία τῶν σ. (where the genitive = μετὰ τά; Soph., Lex., 43a), Mat.28:1, Mrk.16:2, Luk.24:1, Jhn.20:1, 19, Act.20:7 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 62 NT verses. KJV: sabbath (day), week See also: 1 Corinthians 16:2; Luke 13:10; Matthew 28:1.
καλως kalōs G2573 "well" Adv
To do something kalos means to do it well or rightly, as in Luke 6:48 and 1 Corinthians 14:17, often with a moral tone.
Definition: καλῶς adv. (καλός), [in LXX for parts and derivatives of יָטַב ;] finely, rightly, well: Luk.6:48, 1Co.14:17, Gal.4:17 5:7, Jas.2:3; λέγειν, λαλεῖν, etc., Mat.15:7, Mrk.7:6 12:28, Luk.6:26 20:39, Jhn.4:17 8:48 13:13 18:23, Act.28:25; as exclamation of approval, Mrk.12:32, Rom.11:20; κ. ποιεῖν, Mat.12:12, 1Co.7:37-38 Jas.2:8, 19; with dative of person(s) (cl. accusative; WM, § 32, 1 β), Luk.6:27; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.7:37; with ptcp., Act.10:33 (M, Pr., 131), Php.4:14, 2Pe.1:19, 3Jn.6; προϊστάναι (-ασθαι), 1Ti.3:4 3:12 5:17; διακονεῖν, 1Ti.3:13; ἀνατρέφεσθαι, Heb.13:18; ironically, Mrk.7:9, 2Co.11:4 (but see CGT, in l); κ. ἔχειν, to be well: Mrk.16:18. Compar., κάλλιον (for superl., B1., § 44, 3), very well: Act.25:10.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: (in a) good (place), honestly, + recover, (full) well See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 4:17; Hebrews 13:18.
ποιειν poieō G4160 "to do/make: do" Verb-PAN
This word means to make or do something, and it's used in a very broad sense. It can mean to create, produce, or cause something to happen. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's creative power, like in Matthew 19:4 and Mark 10:6.
Definition: ποιέω, -ῶ, [in LXX for a great variety of words, but chiefly for עשׂה ;] __1. to make, produce, create, cause: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.9:11, Act.9:39, Rom.9:20, al.; of God as Creator (with accusative of person(s) also), Mat.19:4, Mrk.10:6, Luk.11:40, Act.4:24, Heb.1:2, al.; like Heb. עשׂה, absol. = ἐργάζομαι, to work, Mat.20:12 (cf. Rut.2:19; so AV, but see infr.), Rev.13:5, R, mg. (but see infr.); σκάνδαλα, Rom.16:17; εἰρεήνην, Eph.2:15, Jas.3:18; ἐπίστασιν, Act.24:12; συστροφήν, Act.23:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Luk.1:68, Act.15:3; with nouns expressing action or its accomplishment, forming a periphr. for the cogn. verb: ὁδόν π. (cl. ὁ ποιεῖσθαι), to go on, advance, Mrk.2:23; πόλεμον, Rev.11:7, al.; ἐκδίκησιν, Luk.18:7, 8; ἐνέδραν, Act.25:3; κρίσιν, Jhn.5:27, Ju 15; ἔργα, Jhn.5:36, al.; (σημεῖα), Jhn.2:23 and freq., Act.2:22, al.; so also mid. ποιεῖσθαι: μονήν, Jhn.14:23; πορείαν, Luk.13:22; κοινωνίαν, Rom.15:26; of food, to make ready, prepare: δεῖπνον, Mrk.6:21, al.; δοχήν, Luk.5:29 14:13; γάμους, Mat.22:2; of time, to spend (cl.): ὥραν, Mat.20:12, RV (but see supr. and cf. McN, in l.); μῆνας, Rev.13:5, R, txt. (cf. Swete, in l.; but see supr.); ἐνιαυτόν, Jas.4:13; with accusative before ἐκ, Jhn.2:15, al.; with accusative and accusative pred., Mat.3:3 12:16, Mrk.1:3 3:12, Jhn.5:11, al.; with adv., καλῶς, Mrk.7:37; ἑορτὴν π. (Dem., Exo.23:16, al.), Act.18:21, Rec.; πάσχα, Mat.26:18; to make or offer a sacrifice (Plat., Xen., al.; Job.42:8, 3Ki.11:33; so some understand τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, Luk.22:19, but see Abbott, Essays, 110ff.); before ἵνα (WM, 422f.; M, Pr., 228), Jhn.11:37, Col.4:16, Rev.3:9. __2. to do, perform, carry out, execute: absol., with adv., καλῶς π., Mat.12:12, 1Co.7:37, 38 Jas.2:19; id. before ptcp. (cl.; see M, Pr., 228), Act.10:33, Php.4:14, 2Pe.1:19, 3Jo.6; οὕτως, Mat.24:46, Luk.9:15, al.; ὡς (καθώς), Mat.1:24 2:16, al.; ὁμοίως, Luk.3:11; ὡσαύτως, Mat.20:5; with ptcp., ἀγνοῶν ἐποίησα, 1Ti.1:13; with accusative of thing(s): τί interrog., Mat.12:3, Mrk.2:25, Luk.6:2, al.; τοῦτο, Mat.13:28, Mrk.5:32, Luk.22:19 (WH om.; see supr., ref. to Abbott, Essays), Rom.7:20, al.; with nouns expressing command or regulation: τ. νόμον (not as in cl., to make a law), Jhn.7:19, Gal.5:3 (cf. in LXX, Jos.22:5, 1Ch.22:12, al.); τ. ἐντολάς, Mat.5:19; similarly with other nouns expressing conduct: τ. δικαιοσύνην, Mat.6:1, al.; τ. ἀλήθειαν, Jhn.3:21, al., etc.; with dupl. accusative, Mat.27:22, Mrk.15:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s) (commod., incomm.; rare in cl.), Mat.7:12, Mrk.5:19, 20 Luk.1:49, Jhn.9:26, al. SYN.: πράσσω, which see The general distinction between the two words is that between particular action and its habitual performance (cf. Tr., Syn., §xcvi; Westc. on Jhn.3:21; ICC on Rom.1:32). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 519 NT verses. KJV: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Acts 21:13; 1 Peter 2:22.

Study Notes — Matthew 12:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
2 Luke 6:9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”
3 Mark 3:4 And He asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” But they were silent.
4 Matthew 10:31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
5 Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!

Matthew 12:12 Summary

In Matthew 12:12, Jesus teaches that people are more valuable than animals, and it's okay to help someone in need, even on the Sabbath day of rest (Exodus 20:8-11). This means that we should prioritize showing kindness and love to others, even when it might seem inconvenient. By doing so, we can follow Jesus' example and demonstrate the importance of compassion and care for one another, just as He did in healing the man with the withered hand (Matthew 12:13). This kind of love and kindness is at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus and live out our faith (Matthew 22:37-40).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jesus saying about the value of human life in Matthew 12:12?

Jesus is emphasizing that human life is more valuable than that of animals, as seen in the comparison between a man and a sheep, and therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, just as one would rescue a sheep in need (Matthew 12:11).

Is Jesus contradicting the Sabbath law in Matthew 12:12?

No, Jesus is not contradicting the Sabbath law, but rather interpreting it in a way that prioritizes human well-being and kindness, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15.

How does this verse relate to the concept of rest and work?

This verse highlights the importance of balance between rest and work, as Jesus teaches that doing good and showing kindness is not a violation of the Sabbath rest, but rather a necessary expression of love and compassion, as seen in Mark 2:27.

What is the significance of Jesus' statement in the context of the Pharisees' question?

Jesus' statement is a response to the Pharisees' question about healing on the Sabbath, and it shows that Jesus prioritizes human need and compassion over strict adherence to tradition and rules, as seen in Matthew 12:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I apply Jesus' teaching about the value of human life to my interactions with others this week?
  2. In what ways can I prioritize kindness and compassion, even on days of rest or relaxation?
  3. How can I balance the need for rest and relaxation with the need to show love and care for others, as Jesus models in this verse?
  4. What are some ways that I can 'do good' and show kindness to those around me, just as Jesus did in healing the man with the withered hand?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 12:12

How much then is a man better than a sheep?.... As a rational creature must be better, and more excellent, than an irrational one, more care is to be taken of, and more mercy shown unto, the one,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 12:12

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. How much then is a man better than a sheep? Resistless appeal!

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 12:12

Ver. 11,12. Mark saith, , And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. Luke reports it thus, ,9, But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it? Christ knew their thoughts; he needed not that any man should tell him what was in the heart of men; he knew their design in coming, and propounding this question. He calls this man with the withered hand to stand forth, that all men might see, and take notice of him. Then he argues the case with the Pharisees, telling them, that they themselves would grant, that if a man had a sheep fallen into a pit on the sabbath day, they might labour so far as to take it out; so, it seemeth, in Christ’ s time they did expound the law. They also knew that the life or good of a man was to be preferred before the life of a beast. In their reproving him, therefore, they condemned themselves in a thing which they allowed. Then he propounds a question to them, which Matthew hath not, but it is mentioned both by Mark and Luke. He asketh them whether it was lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it? The argument is this, Whatsoever is good to save the life of man may be done on the sabbath day; but this is a good action; if I should not lend him my help when it is in my power, I should, in the sense of God’ s law, kill him.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 12:12

12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Ver. 12. It is lawful to do well] Nay, it is needful, since not to do well is to do ill, and not to save a life, or a soul, is to destroy it, Mark 3:4. Not to do justice is injustice, and not to show mercy is no better than cruelty, non faciendo nocens, sed patiendo fuit. Aul. de Claud.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 12:12

(11, 12) Will he not lay hold on it?—As the reasoning takes the form of an argumentum ad hominem, it is clear that the act was regarded as a lawful one, even by the more rigid scribes. The Talmud discusses the question, but does not decide it. Some casuists solved the problem by a compromise. The sheep was not to be pulled out of the pit till the Sabbath was over, but in the meantime it was lawful to supply it with fodder. In St. Mark and St. Luke the question is given in another form, and without the illustration, which we find in St. Luke, in another connection, in Luke 14:5. Jesus bids the man with the withered hand stand up in the midst, and then puts the question, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” The alternative thus presented as a dilemma was a practical answer to their casuistry. They would have said, “Leave the man as he is till the Sabbath is over;” and our Lord’s answer is that in that case good would have been left undone, and that not to do good when it lies in our power is practically to do evil.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 12:12

Verse 12. How much then is a man better than a sheep?] Our Lord's argument is what is called argumentum ad hominem; they are taken on their own ground, and confuted on their own maxims and conduct. There are many persons who call themselves Christians, who do more for a beast of burden or pleasure than they do for a man for whom Christ died! Many spend that on coursers, spaniels, and hounds, of which multitudes of the followers of Christ are destitute:-but this also shall come to judgment. Wherefore, it is lawful to do well, &c.] This was allowed by a multitude of Jewish canons. See Schoettgen.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 12:12

12. How much then is a man better than a sheep?] Cp. “ye are of more value than many sparrows,” ch. Matthew 10:31.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 12:12

12. A man better than a sheep — By as much as a man is better than a brute, by so much is it more justifiable to heal this man than to rescue your cattle.The physician performs his work of preserving

Sermons on Matthew 12:12

SermonDescription
John Wesley John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 12 by John Wesley John Wesley explains Matthew 12, emphasizing the importance of mercy over sacrifice and the authority of Christ over the Sabbath. He illustrates how necessity can justify actions t
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 1:6-8 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the firmament as mentioned in the Bible. They explain that the firmament refers to the space or air between the waters above an
Compilations More Worth Then Birds (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the care and love that God has for His people. He highlights the fact that God knows every detail about us, even the number of hairs on our
Carter Conlon You Have to Love Jesus to Follow Him by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of preaching in a small church and witnessing sparrows pecking at the driveway. Through this observation, the preacher ref
David Guzik (Daniel) the 70 Weeks of Daniel by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy of the 70 weeks in the book of Daniel. He explains that God had a specific plan and timeline for the redemption of Israel. The sp
John Piper 2000 Advent Week 1 - Joseph of Arimathea by John Piper In this sermon transcript, the speaker reflects on the lack of courage and faith among the people of Jerusalem, particularly those who had been with Jesus. The focus then shifts to
Brian Brodersen Our Gracious God by Brain Brodersen by Brian Brodersen This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right concept of God for our spiritual well-being, highlighting God's desire to bless, keep, smile upon, be gracious, be attenti

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